Hello friends! A few days ago I posted a video where I shared my creative process and all the decisions (and indecisions) I make when I design a card. It was heartwarming to read all of your comments and feedback and I’m so happy you have found that video useful.
Today I’d like to share something different, but something that in a way continues the topic of cardmaking – I’d like to share my go-to cardmaking formula, I call it a perfect cardmaking formula (only in a way that it works perfectly for me when I make Clean & Simple cards). I’m also sharing a way to replace one of the elements I use in my formula with something that can be found in pretty much everybody’s stash.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
I’m sharing a video tutorial, watch it below or on Youtube:
THE FORMULA
So my formula is simple: white card base (usually using specialty cardstock like woodgrain, spicy yogurt or simple colored card) + gold frame or gold die cut (usually using Altenew’s Antique Trims) + a large floral or a floral cluster + sentiment. Simple as that. I use this combo when I have a hard time coming up with a good design idea for a card and it has never let me down. See some ideas below (click the photo to go to that blog post):
One of the elements in this formula, gold die cut, can be created using dies and gold mirror cardstock (or silver if you are a silver kind o girl). I pulled out my Spellbinders’ dies and experimented a bit to see what frames/dies cuts I could make for my cards. I only made 8 examples (I wanted to show them in my video and I didn’t want the video to be very long, showing 7 on photos below as the 8th one is used on a card), but I look forward to making additional examples using dies from Spellbinders and other companies.
I chose Spellbinders to show as an example as they have very fancy and detailed dies and also because I have a lot of their designs (and I truly love their dies). See below the photos of the die cut + the names of the sets I used to create them. I also have all of these sets linked below.
Dies listed: Pierced Delight, Majestic Circles, Standard Circles, Royal Circles, Gold Rounds, Heart & Flutter
Dies listed: Luscious Labels One, Labels One, Fancy Framed Tags Four
CARD DETAILS
The frame I used for my card was created using a different set, Triple Tear. It is simple, yet elegant and I felt it was a perfect match for this project. To stick with my formula I went with white woodgrain cardstock from Simon Says Stamp (Altenew has identical card). For the flowers I used Altenew’s Vintage Flowers and matching dies. I did use a completely new color combo for me and I went with Peach and Yellow colors.
I used my mini MISTI stamping tool to stamp these and if you watch my video you can see how easy and quickly I was able to stamp two sets of flowers and leaves. I don’t use MISTI for all of my stamping, but it does work wonderfully for stamping color layering stamp sets and for stamping on textured paper such as watercolor paper.
For the sentiment I used one of my all time favorite sets, Labels Love, and heat embossed Thank You in gold embossing powder onto white cardstock cut it out and foam mounted over the frame. I couldn’t resist adding several sequins and clear drops to finish this project.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Spellbinders Majestic Circles Dies Shop at: SSS | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Standard Circles LG Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Platinum Die Cutting Machine Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Fancy Framed Tags Four Dies Shop at: SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Labels One Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Triple Tear Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinder Hearts and Flutter Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Pierced Delight Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Royal Circle Dies Shop at: SSS | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Gold Rounds One Dies Shop at: SSS | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Luscious Labels One Dies Shop at: SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Pretty Pink Posh 4MM Clear Droplets (small) Shop at: SSS | RAH |
 Pretty Pink Posh 4MM Metallic Gold Sequins Shop at: SSS |
 Mini Misti Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS | SC | AZ |
 Altenew Label Love Stamp Set Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Vintage Flowers Stamp Set Shop at: SSS | AZ | AN |
 Altenew Vintage Flowers Die Set Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Vintage Flowers Clear Stamp and Die Bundle Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Peach Perfect Dye Ink Pad Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Summer Afternoon Oval Set Dye Ink Pads Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Red Sunset Dye Ink Pad Pack Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Gold Mirror Cardstock Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Woodgrain White Cardstock Shop at: AN |
Simon Says Stamp Woodgrain Cardstock White Shop at: SSS |
 DoCrafts Gold & Silver A4 Mirror Board Pack Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 ScraPerfect Crafting Pouch Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder PW100 Shop at: SSS | SC | HA | AZ |
 Versamark Watermark Emboss Ink Pad Shop at: SSS | HA | AZ |
 Ranger .5 Oz. Multi Medium Matte Adhesive Shop at: SSS | SC | AZ |
 Scrapbook Adhesives Thin White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS | AZ |
Your card is beautiful, as always! I have a formula but rarely stick to it. I am finding as long as I sketch out a few ideas first, it helps the card evolve.
Such pretty cards, like your style.
Hopefully I’ll be your Mini MISTI winner
Beautiful cards! I love your style! Thanks for the inspiration.
I love your “go to” card formula….now I need to make a run for Hobby Lobby and find that gold card stock and fancy round dies. Winning a mini misti would be awesome too.
Love your formula. Never thought to do that. Your cards are beautiful. Wishing and hoping to win a Misti.
Thank you for your video. I am always happy to see new ideas. It has been a pleasure to find new stamping blogs.
When I make a card, the design process always takes the longest for me. I daydream a lot at this point. I start with who I want to make the card for and pick a theme from my stamps. If I don’t have all the stamp images I need, I look for free line art on the internet to add to my stamps. Then I choose a color scheme. I gather different types and colors of paper and embellishments. Like you, I stamp images, then start arranging them and add layers of background papers. My cards can be involved and take a while to make. Once I am finished, I like to duplicate the card to take advantage of the design process. The MISTI is going to make this last step so much easier!!!! I have never seen a stamp tool that is so useful, and I have been stamping for 27 years.
Thanks for sharing your formula… I didn’t have any – til now 😀 Beautiful card! I’ll give it a try.
I don’t have a particular formula for making cards. I usually try to cut everything out and stamp and color everything and then play with it until I get the look I like. It makes it easier if I have a sketch or layout. Thanks for sharing the great video and your beautiful cards. I love the gold frames and accents.
I love that you’ve shown new ideas for those frame dies as the packaging doesn’t do them justice. Thanks for a chance to win a mini misti! Always look forward to your videos.
Very elegant and tres chic!! thanks for sharing 🙂
I don’t have a card making formula unfortunately. That’s probably why I find them so difficult to make! I love your gold frame idea. Spellbinder makes gorgeous dies. My friend had a Spellbinder when it was the early ratchet machine. No one was making dies as elaborate as them at the time. We were in heaven!
Stunning card—as always—I need to go through my old Spellbinder dies and see if I have anything that will work for this formula. Thanks for a chance to win!
Lovely card, Yana! Thank you for sharing your formula… I can’t wait to try it! I tend to make a lot of cards with intricate details. The design and creation for the first card is very time-consuming but iI find t’s fairly easy to knock off a couple more once I know the steps. I usually try to make 2 additional cards for my stash and hold off putting a sentiment on it until I know the recipient. Thanks for the opportunity to win a MISTI!
Your card is lovely! I really like your idea of having a go-to formula. I will have to start making use of that tip. Thank you! Thanks very much for the chance to win a MISTI!
Beautiful card.
Such pretty cards, Love your C&S approaching
Hope I win your Mini MISTI. Thank You
i have just started making cards and enjoy it so much, i take all the advise i can to use. thanks for a chance to win.
I am relatively new to card making and I don’t have a formula as yet. This often mean spending ages trying to think of a design that suits the recipient. Thanks for the videos and helpful suggestions. Thanks too for a chance to win the mini-MISTI.
Great ideas! I have so many dies from so many companies! Love the MISTI concept!
my formula is to sit at my table and look at all the things i have and then something tells me which way to go that day… =) i can’t plan in advance what to do…if i try i end up just sitting by my table not knowing what to do next…
absolutely beautiful card!! =)
Lovely Card! I like to use “sketches”. Take a basic concept and make it my own. Thanks for the opportunity to win the Mini MISTI.
Your card is just gorgeous! I don’t have a card making formula, but I am definitely going to try yours. Thank you for the inspiration and for the chance to win!
Beautiful Cards & Thank You For All Great Formulas To Make Great & Beautiful Cards!! Also Thank Your For the Opportunity To Win The Mini Misti, Such A great Prize
Your cards are so elegant – thank you for sharing your formula. I will be looking through my dies to see if I can come up with something like this. I really appreciate your video. Thanks for the chance to win a Mini MISTI – what a wonderful tool!
Your inspiration is so helpful. Thank you for all your ideas.
Love the framing. the misti will make two and three-step stamping so much
easier. thanks for sharing
Great cards. I love your ‘formula’ idea. So easy yet so different. Thanks for the chance to win a Mini Misti!
No formula, at least I don’t think I have one. I tend to make 2-4 cards using the same stamp image but with different backgrounds, paper and embellishments just to change it up a bit.
I really like your designs, simple yet elegant Thank you for sharing, making the video and being part of the giveaway.
I tend to look at other cards for inspiration and change out stamps and embellishments for ones that I have. Love the frame idea, gorgeous examples!
My formula revolves around the sentiment that I’m needing, but I usually use flowers. Thanks for the inspiration. You make beautiful cards!
I start with my focal point depending on theme of the card and love to add a vibrant background to make the focal stand out
Love your work!!! I don’t have a formula when making cards. Thank you for your great tips!!
Thanks for all the great tips. I don’t have a formula for making cards but when I find myself in a creative rut I will try out your tips and see how it goes.
Your card is gorgeous! I don’t have a card making formula, but I am definitely going to try yours. Thank you for the inspiration and for the chance to win!
Beautiful card! When I make a card, I first think about who I’m making it for. Then I select a stamp set/sets that I want to use. The stamp will direct me to what type of techniques that I will use – Copics coloring, stamp layering, or whatever I am in the mood to do. I select my cardstock solid colors & prints. Look at my die collection & select what I want to use. Then visualize how this is all going to come together. I then start making my card and modifying my design when it doesn’t quite look right. This process takes time but it is the creative process! Thanks for the chance to win a mini MISTI.
Gorgeous card. Great information. Thanks for the chance to win a Mini-Misti. I would so love to win it!
I was just taking a break because I couldn’t come up with a card layout. Now I will go back an try your formula. Your card is elegant. Thank you for sharing an chance to win a Mini Misti
I have no formula til now.
I would like to win a MISTI tool.
It is always good to find new ideas from fellow stampers. Thanks for your video.
When I make a card, I always start daydreaming a lot. I think about the person I am making the card for, and I pick a theme from my stamps. This part can be challenging sometimes. Then I choose a color scheme and get out papers and possible embellishments. I get out related stamps and sometimes need to look online for free lineart to add to my images. I start stamping the images and, like you, I start to preview them in different arrangements. I add background paper to the images for layers. Since the design process takes the longest for me, I like to duplicate the cards for other friends and family. the MISTI is going to help with this part. I have never seen such a useful stamping tool, and I have been stamping for 27 years!
Very great card and nice information , thanks for the chance to win
Love your card and inspiration. I look to wonderful artist like yourself for help.
Thanks for all your tips. I do have a couple of Spellbinders dies that would be suitable for your formula so I will have a go.
I think your formula is awesome! I always love the cards you make using those components. I tend to CAS cards with fewer layers, so my formula is pretty much just hitting a sweet spot in the lower right or upper left of the card front. (And then stressing about the sentiment placement – which always seems to be an afterthought for me!)
Thanks for the chance to win a Mini MISTI!
What a great technique. To make my cardmaking simpler, I die cut extra so I can have a stock supply. This wY I don’t have to take out the die cutting machine. I would love to learn how to stamp a juicy, clear image. Mine usually are not consistent and I waste ink and paper.
Your formula is wonderful – I don’t really have a formula other than trying to hit the sweet spot (upper left or lower right with my focal point, then stressing about sentiment placement….
Thanks for the chance to win the Mini MISTI!
Beautiful card! I love your card design formula and will have to try and use it once in awhile for myself! <3
Gyour card making process tips are very helpful. Your highlighted card is beautiful. Again, the Mini Misti is a tool that makes your process quite appealing to me. I will try your techniques and hope to win the Mini Misti so I can create cards just as beautiful as yours. Of course, I have a long way to go before I reach your level of creativity. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win the Mini Misti.
I love your formula, I’m going to have to try it myself! Mine usually ends up being: card base, a piece of pre-printed paper, die cut flower or butterfly, and a popped up, embossed greeting.
Thanks for sharing, always learning something new. Your formula is very similar to one I learned at a class which has worked well for me. Your cards are always beautiful & have enjoyed your participation in some of the online card classes.